Cubs Minor League Wrap: June 17

I continue to do my job despite the trade rumors which swirl around me. Al has said he's not actively trying to deal me, but you know in a miserable season like this, he's got to be listening to offers.

The Boise Hawks started their season tonight. This means the Wrap is going to show up later as they play all of their road games in the Pacific Time Zone. I didn't have a chance to write up a preview of the Hawks with the draft and my traveling, but I'll just say that they appear to have some great pitching and some offensive holes. That will be interesting since the Hawks play in a hitter's league.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs were blasted by the Albuquerque Isotopes (Dodgers), 13-10.

Starter Jay Jackson had some troubles in the New Mexico air as he allowed nine runs on nine hits over four innings. Only one of the nine hits went over the wall, though. He walked two and struck out six.

Center fielder Tyler Colvin became the first Iowa Cubs since Robin Jennings in 1997 to hit for the cycle tonight. (Later tonight, the scoring on his single was changed to an error.) His home run was a solo home run in the fifth inning. Colvin went 4 for 5 (now 3 for 5) with two RBI and four runs scored.

Catcher Welington Castillo was 2 for 4 with two home runs. Castillo hit a two-run shot in the seventh and a three run home run in the ninth. Castillo was 2 for 4 with a sac fly and six RBI.

Right fielder Brad Snyder was 3 for 5 with two doubles. He had one RBI. First baseman Bryan LaHair went 2 for 5. He scored twice and had one RBI.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies fell behind 5-0, but roared back to stun the Chattanooga Lookouts (Dodgers), 7-6.

Starter Chris Rusin only lasted one inning tonight, giving up four runs on four hits, including a home run to lead off the game. Rusin walked one, hit one batter and struck out three, so I guess you can say he struck out the side.

Kevin Rhoderick pitched the final two innings without allowing a run to get the win. Rhoderick gave up two hits and walked no one. He fanned four.

Third baseman Josh Vitters got the Smokies on the board first with a solo home run in the fifth inning. It was his seventh home run this year. Vitters was 2 for 4 tonight.

Right fielder Nelson Perez hit a solo home run in the sixth inning to make it 6-2. It was Perez's third home run for Tennessee and seventh overall. Perez was 2 for 3.

Matt Spencer finished the comeback with a three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Spencer now has 12 home runs and was 1 for 4 on the game.

Center fielder Brett Jackson was 2 for 3 with a walk. He scored one run.

Daytona Cubs

Started the All-Star Break tonight.

Peoria Chiefs

The Peoria Chiefs were held up by the Quad City River Bandits (Cardinals), 4-1.

Hayden Simpson started and took the loss. He lasted 4.2 innings and gave up three runs, two earned, on four hits. He walked three and struck out two.

Third baseman Greg Rohan was 1 for 3 with a solo home run in second inning. Rohan has five home runs this year.

Boise Hawks

The Boise Hawks lost their luster against the Eugene Emeralds (Padres), 5-4.

Ben Wells made his professional debut tonight and was pretty solid. He allowed two runs on five hits over five innings. Wells walked two and struck out four.

Jose Rosario got the loss in relief. Rosario pitched 2.2 innings and allowed three runs on three hits. Only one of the three runs was earned, however. Rosario walked two and struck out two.

The Hawks only had three hits tonight but walked eight times. These guys are Cubs? Oh yeah, they struck out 13 times.